By Dana Bartholomew

A real estate executive at Van Nuys Airport and longtime leader of its business association has been appointed to serve on the Los Angeles County Airport Commission.

Curt Castagna, president and CEO of the Aeroplex/Aerolease Group, was appointed to the commission on Tuesday after his nomination by Supervisor Janice Hahn.

“I would like to express my appreciation to Supervisor Hahn for allowing me the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the airports serving the diverse aviation needs of the County of Los Angeles,” said Castagna, in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with industry, business and community leaders to ensure the county airports are operated safely, securely and efficiently.”

The 10-member commission oversees operations at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima as well as county-owned airports across the region, including Brackett Field Airport in La Verne, Compton/Woodley Airport in Compton, San Gabriel Valley Airport in El Monte and General William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, home to more than 1,500 general aviation aircraft.

Castagna, of Los Alamitos, replaces Commissioner Angelo R. Cardono in the 4th county supervisorial district.

With more than 35 years of aviation industry experience, Castagna oversees aviation and business aircraft centers with more than 100 Aerolease tenants at Van Nuys and Long Beach airports.

The president of Van Nuys and Long Beach airport tenant associations also serves on the board of directors for the National Air Transportation Association. He is an active member of the American Association of Airport Executives.

A licensed pilot and aircraft owner, Castagna has taught aviation administration courses for 25 years as an adjunct professor at California State University, Los Angeles, and Cypress Community College.

Read original article